Virginia man runs with American flag in hand to honor son, others deployed

That’s why the 53-year-old Newport News, Virginia, resident decided in June to use his affection for the sport to honor his 22-year-old son, Joe, who is currently deployed overseas with the U.S. Army.

With an American flag in hand, Parfitt takes to the streets once or twice a week — sometimes running six miles or more. On July 4, he took it even further — running with the flag for a symbolic 17.76 miles, he said.

Parfitt, who has been “running for many years,” told Fox News he “felt it in [his] heart to run with the flag to honor my son, as well as all deployed.” Parfitt declined to say where his son is deployed, citing security concerns.